Background
Latin America is a region of rich cultural diversity and a vibrant, youthful population with the potential to lead social and economic transformation. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina are home to vibrant and dynamic youth populations. Yet, persistent inequalities, environmental challenges, and economic instability continue to limit opportunities for many. In this context, social businesses offer a powerful solution—tackling social, economic, and environmental issues while generating sustainable income and creating dignified livelihoods.
Stakeholder Engagement
As part of the program’s commitment to building a robust and collaborative social business ecosystem, the initiative convened over 300 stakeholders across seven Latin American cities and an online consultation in Chile to strengthen the regional social business ecosystem. Bringing together representatives from government, academia, finance, and civil society, these dialogues fostered collaboration and identified key priorities such as improving access to finance, enhancing financial literacy, and promoting cross-sector partnerships to drive sustainable and inclusive growth across the
Learning Journey
A highlight of the program was the Learning Journey; a series of interactive virtual workshops tailored for aspiring ecosystem builders. Participants explored topics such as program design, partnership development, and impact measurement, while also reflecting on context-specific social problems. These workshops created space for shared learning and peer exchange across Latin America.
About the Program
The LATAM Social Business Ecosystem Builders Initiative is
designed to strengthen the social business ecosystem in Latin
America while empowering existing and emerging ecosystem
builders and entrepreneurs across the region.
To date, the project has mapped over 400 key ecosystem players
across Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina,
strengthening partnerships with 20+ support organizations. It
has also conducted stakeholder engagement meetings engaging over
300 stakeholders across the 6 countries, bringing together
policymakers, entrepreneurs and academic leaders to discuss
barriers and opportunities in fostering sustainable social
business ecosystem.
The initiative has not only strengthened networks but also
equipped hundreds of students and entrepreneurs with knowledge,
mentorship and resources to drive innovation and impact. Its
legacy lies in creating a connected and capable ecosystem—one
that continues to advance the vision of a world of three zeros:
zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions.
Regional Forums
Co-hosted by Yunus Negócios Sociais Brasil, YY Ventures, and the Yunus Centre, this flagship event was organized as a strategic side event to the G20 Brasil Summit. Participants from government, NGOs, academia, and the private sector gathered to explore how social business can address pressing challenges such as youth unemployment and climate action.
LATAM Social Business Forum 2025
Held in collaboration with the Universidad de Monterrey, YY Ventures and Yunus Centre, this regional convening brought together participants from government, NGOs, academia, and the private sector and more. The forum spotlighted youth entrepreneurship and regional collaboration, advancing sustainable growth through the social business model.
Co-organised by
Empowering
LATAM Social Business
Ecosystem
Harnessing Social Business to Combat Youth Unemployment and Champion Climate Protection